A numerical solution to thermo-mechanical behavior of temperature dependent rotating functionally graded annulus disks

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate Thermo-mechanical limit elastic speed analysis of functionally graded (FG) rotating disks with the temperature-dependent material properties. Three different material models i.e. power law, sigmoid law and exponential law, along with varying disk profiles, namely, uniform thickness, tapered and exponential disk was considered. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted was variational principle wherein the solution was obtained by Galerkin's error minimization principle. The Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion and yield stress variation were considered temperature-dependent. Findings The study shows a substantial increase in limit speed as disk profiles change from uniform thickness to exponentially varying thickness. At any radius in a disk, the difference in von Mises stress and yield strength shows the remaining stress-bearing capacity of material at that location. Practical implications Rotating disks are irreplaceable components in machinery and are used widely from power transmission assemblies (for example, gas turbine disks in an aircraft) to energy storage devices. During operations, these structures are mainly subjected to a combination of mechanical and thermal loadings. Originality/value The findings of the present study illustrate the best material models and their grading index, desired for the fabrication of uniform, as well as varying FG disks. Finite element analysis has been performed to validate the present study and good agreement between both the methods is seen.